AS ISLAMIST-LED rebels continue to make further advances in Syria,India has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to the Arab republic and urged those staying in that country to exercise “utmost precaution” and restrict their movements. In an advisory, the MEA asked the Indians living in the violence-hit country to leave by the earliest available commercial flights if they can.

 

The Islamist rebels had almost taken control of the central Syrian city of Homs on Thursday after capturing much of Aleppo, the country’s largest city. Tens of thousands of people have been fleeing Homs. The MEA also urged the Indians residing in Syria to remain in touch with the Indian embassy in Damascus. “In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification,” the MEA said.